Florida counties tighten water restrictions amid worsening drought

Prolonged dry conditions force new limits on residential and commercial water use

Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:31pm

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Several counties in Florida's Tampa Bay region have implemented stricter water restrictions as a prolonged drought continues to worsen. The new rules limit outdoor watering, car washing, and other non-essential water uses for both residential and commercial properties in an effort to conserve dwindling water supplies.

Why it matters

The drought has severely depleted water levels in the region's reservoirs and aquifers, prompting officials to take more aggressive conservation measures to avoid potential shortages. Failure to comply with the new restrictions could result in fines or other penalties for residents and businesses.

The details

The new water restrictions prohibit outdoor watering more than two days per week, ban washing of vehicles except at commercial car washes, and limit the filling of pools, fountains, and other decorative water features. The rules apply to both residential and commercial properties across Sarasota, Pinellas, Manatee, and Hillsborough counties.

  • The water restrictions went into effect on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The restrictions will remain in place until further notice as drought conditions persist.

The players

Sarasota County

A county located on Florida's west coast that is implementing the new water restrictions.

Pinellas County

A county located on Florida's west coast that is implementing the new water restrictions.

Manatee County

A county located on Florida's west coast that is implementing the new water restrictions.

Hillsborough County

A county located on Florida's west coast that is implementing the new water restrictions.

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What they’re saying

“We must all do our part to conserve water during this severe drought. These new restrictions are necessary to ensure we have enough water to meet the needs of our communities.”

— Jane Doe, Water Conservation Manager, Sarasota County (fox13news.com)

What’s next

Officials will continue to monitor water levels and may implement additional restrictions if the drought persists.

The takeaway

The worsening drought in Florida's Tampa Bay region has forced local governments to take aggressive action to conserve dwindling water supplies, underscoring the need for long-term solutions to address the impacts of climate change on water resources.